What can small businesses do to attract, develop, and retain the best talent possible? That’s the focus of this episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, led by host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank. Kevin is joined by two local human resource experts, Laura Steidl (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-steidl-sphr-shrm-scp-34ab179/), Vice President of Human Resources at ICI Metals (https://www.icimetals.com/meet-us) and Stella Karas Skaljac (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-karas-skaljac-esq-shrm-scp-659875173/), ESQ., Founder & CEO of ImagineHR (https://www.imaginehrconsulting.com/), LLC and Human Resources Director & Associate General Counsel at Ken Ganley Companies (https://www.kenganleyauto.com/). We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks) Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

The last 12 months had no shortage of developments that have set the stage for the economic outlook in 2025. As we look towards the new year ahead in the latest Sharing Knowledge Series episode, host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank leads a discussion about where our economy is at and what business owners can expect in the coming months. Kevin is joined by Jon Shulman, a Westfield Bank board member, and Brian Toma, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®, managing partner and financial advisor at FHT Advisors (https://www.fhtadvisors.com/).We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks) Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

In a digital world, the threat of fraud to businesses is only growing and evolving. That’s why cybersecurity and fraud prevention advice is the focus of this episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, leads an important discussion to help business owners stay informed about the latest fraud trends.Kevin is joined by Andy Jones, CEO at Fortress Security Risk Management (https://fortresssrm.com/our-team/) and Westfield Bank board member, and Jarrod Long (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrodlong/), director of treasury management at Westfield Bank.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks) Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

Agency growth and expansion is the topic of discussion for the 28th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, discusses how insurance agency owners can best prepare for growth while navigating the high interest rate environment and other policy changes impacting the economic landscape with guests Josh Heebner, Dave Rivell, and Mike Wagar.Josh and Dave are partners at Element Risk Management (https://elementrisk.com/about-our-agency/), and Mike serves as SVP, agency banking and specialty lines leader at Westfield Bank. We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks) Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer (http://westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer).

What is wealth management and preservation, and why is it important for individuals and families?This question and more gets answered in the 27th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, discusses wealth management, strategies for financial planning, and preserving wealth across generations with guests Brad Knapp, president of Clearstead (https://www.clearstead.com/) and Ken Morgan, chief operating officer at Clearstead Trust (https://clearsteadtrust.com/team/#ken).Investment products:• Are not FDIC insured• Are not bank guaranteed• May lose value• Are not a deposit• Are not insured by any federal or state government agencyWe want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).

What do business leaders and consumers need to know about the economy as we head into the new year?In the 26th episode of our Sharing Knowledge Series, our guests look ahead to help business owners and consumers navigate the challenges and opportunities we’re likely to experience in 2024. Host Kevin Vonderau sits down with Mike Toth and Brian Toma to discuss what factors they’re watching to gauge the state of the economy in the new year. Mike is the Chairman & CEO of Westfield Bank (https://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/leadership-team) and Brian is a managing partner and registered investment advisor at Freeman Heyne Toma Financial Advisors (https://www.fhtadvisors.com/team/brian-toma-cfp-aif).Investment products:• Are not FDIC insured• Are not bank guaranteed• May lose value• Are not a deposit• Are not insured by any federal or state government agencyYou can read highlights of the discussion by visiting https://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/2024-economic-outlook (https://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/2024-economic-outlook) We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks) Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).

As we increasingly rely on technology, what can you be doing to ensure your company is protected?In the 25th episode of our Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau sits down with David Howard and Brandon Pauley to discuss the proactive steps your business can take to protect your data, privacy, and mitigate threats and disruption to your business’s operations. David is the director of technical services at V2 Technology (https://v2portal.com/site/), Brandon is a partner at the Brennan Manna Diamond (https://www.bmdllc.com/) law firm, and Kevin is the chief lending officer at Westfield Bank.To read the key takeaways from the discussion, visit www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/maintaining-good-cyber-hygiene (http://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/maintaining-good-cyber-hygiene)We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).

When pursuing new growth opportunities for your business, there are two big things to keep in mind: you have options, and you don’t have to go at it alone.In the 24th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, discusses strategies related to business growth with Bob Filipiak, executive director of Cascade Capital (https://www.cascadecapital.org/), and Carrie Malotte, VP, commercial loan officer at Westfield Bank (https://www.westfield-bank.com/).To read the key takeaways from the discussion, visit westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/financing-business-growth (http://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/financing-business-growth)  We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).

No matter what stage of the business lifecycle you’re in, having trusted professionals in your corner can pay dividends. Are you intentional about who you surround yourself with as a business owner?In the 23rd episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, sits down with Nolan James Jr., Esq., a shareholder at Cavitch Familo & Durkin (https://cavitch.com/attorney/nolan-james/), and Leslie Oyler, CPA, Client Services Manager at Zion, Synek & Associates (https://www.zsacpa.com/who-we-are/leslie-j-oyler) for a wide-ranging discussion about the important role advisors play in growing your business.Read the article at https://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/growing-your-business (https://www.westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/growing-your-business)We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).

Everyone from individuals to families to business owners are impacted by the rising costs of healthcare in the U.S. What are some key trends that industry experts are watching? How is healthcare adapting to technological advances? In our 22nd episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, is joined by Dr. Jennifer Prezioso, DPM, FACFAS, founder and CEO of Balance Foot & Ankle (https://www.balancecle.com/), and Tim Juka, client executive at Oswald Companies (https://www.oswaldcompanies.com/), explore these questions as a part of a broader healthcare discussion.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com)

Are we headed for a recession in 2023? What economic indicators should we be paying attention to? These are some of the questions we explore in the 21st episode of our Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, sits down with Jon Park and Brian Toma, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA to offer predictions for 2023 and provide guidance to business owners who are bracing for a possible recession. Jon founded Westfield Bank in 2001 and has remained as executive chairman since he retired as CEO in 2021. Brian is managing partner and a registered investment advisor at Freeman Heyne Toma Financial Advisors.Investment products: • Are not FDIC insured • Are not bank guaranteed • May lose value• Are not a deposit • Are not insured by any federal or state government agencyWe want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.

Many business leaders and community members hope to make a positive impact on the areas they serve and the neighborhoods in which they live. One of the best ways to uplift the community around you is through engaging with nonprofits and philanthropic efforts. The 20th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series takes a closer look at how nonprofits operate and the ways that you can get involved.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).

The thought of retirement or what’s next for you and your business is intimidating. But like many big decisions you make throughout your career, thoughtful planning will help set you up for success. That’s why in our 19th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, sits down with Gary D. Sirak, CLU®, ChFC®, president of Sirak Financial Services (https://www.sirakfinancial.com/) and author of How to Retire and Not Die: The 3 Ps That Will Keep You Young and Mark Dorman, AIF, CLU®, ChFC®, CFBS, CEPA, president & CEO of Legacy Business Advisors Ohio (https://www.legacybusinessadvisors.com/) and Contributor to Forbes Business Council.In this episode, Kevin, Gary, and Mark discuss considerations and factors that impact personal retirement, business perpetuation, and succession planning.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).

How big of a role does marketing play for businesses looking to make the most of their budget and gain the attention they deserve? In our 18th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, is joined by Hallie Bram Kogelschatz, CEO & president of shark&minnow, and Mark Priebe, president of Proximity Marketing.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).

Want to gain insight into the state of the retail industry and how businesses have been impacted by supply chain issues and rising inflation? In our 17th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, is joined by guests Scott Maloney, owner and president of Century Cycles, and Chris Curcio, CEO, and president of Litehouse Pools & Spas.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).

In the 16th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Jason Winkler, president, Summit Construction Company, LLC and Carlin Culbertson, CPA, vice president, Assurance Services Group at Meaden & Moore. Their discussion focuses on new construction, remodels, renovations, and the importance of staying ahead and being flexible in the face of supply chain issues.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com)

In our fifteenth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Mike Milby, ceo and Beth Sweeney, president of Ratliff & Taylor, and Mike Toth, president and ceo of Westfield Bank. Together, they discuss the power of empowering your employees, the importance of an engaged workforce, and best practices to shape a healthy workplace culture.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com)

In our fourteenth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Kristyn Henslee, owner, Yellow House Cheese, and Douglas Katz, owner, Zhug, Chimi, and Amba. Together, they discuss what they’ve learned from their years of experience in the restaurant and farming industries, the adjustments they’ve adapted during the pandemic, and the trends they expect to see in the coming years.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com)

In our thirteenth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Andy Camp, president, Cutler Real Estate and Bob Giacomo, senior vice president, mortgage market leader, Westfield Bank. Together, they discuss inventory, new construction, mortgage rates, and the housing market trends they expect to see as we look ahead.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com)

In our twelfth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Dan Spring, SIOR, president and business director, NAI Spring and Jim Pickard, president, Pickard Commercial Group. They discuss the current state of commercial real estate development and investment and look ahead at what trends to expect in the coming years.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks (http://www.westfield-bank.com/sks)Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com (mailto:westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com).